Public Pools and Water Parks

If you live in Arkansas and it's summer, it's HOT and everyone is looking for some ways to beat the heat. Sure, you can stay in all day under the air conditioner, but wouldn't it be more fun to get outside? My favorite way to beat the summertime heat wave is to get wet. Don't have a pool? Don't worry! Little Rock has many public swimming areas for your enjoyment.

This pool is owned by the Jim Dailey Fitness & Aquatic Center, but you don't have to be a member to swim. With it's close proximity to The Zoo and War Memorial Park, it's a nice place to take a quick dip. The price is right too. Admission is just $5 for adults and $2.50 for kids under 16. Hours vary but they are open most days from 12:00-5:00. Call 501-664-6976 for more info. Opens Memorial Day Weekend.

This is definitely the biggest and the best water park near Little Rock, but it's pretty pricey for a whole family. They have themed water slides, a wave pool, river rafting rides, kiddie areas and more. Admission is a little expensive ($29.99/$20.99 kids), but they have special discounted rates for things like "PM Plunge" ($20.99) and you can get discount tickets locally. You can also get a season pass. They are a bargain, especially if you buy them before the season starts (they usually have a great deal around Christmas). They are open 10:00-8:00.

6820 Crystal Hill Rd, North Little Rock501-753-8600

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Crystal Falls / Magic Springs

Courtesy of Magic Springs

If you really want a day out, try Magic Springs! This is two parks in one. You get admission to a really great water park and an amusement park for one price. The price is a bit steep ($44.99 adults/$29.99 kids plus parking. You get discounted rates if you order online) but they have lots of rides and you can stay all day. Hours vary but they are open most days from 11:00-6:00. See site for more info. Located in Hot Springs. As with Wild River Country above, a season pass makes a lot of sense, and they often offer discounted ones during the down season.

Both of these are multi-purpose health clubs with swimming lessons and more. The fee to join is pricey ($300 + monthly fee), but well worth it if you'll be swimming a lot with your family and you can take advantage of the other amenities. Be sure to check out the website and find out which location's offerings and schedule matches best with your family.

Splash Pad at Tyndall Park

Courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism

Tyndall Park is located in Benton. Admission is free to the splash pad located in the park. This is great fun for little kids and open from Memorial Day until Labor Day. The splash pad is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Sunday.

This used to be called Peabody Park, because it's behind the former Peabody Hotel (now a Marriott). The park has several outdoor and underground rooms, large native stones for climbing, a splash pad and the Ozark Pavilion. There is an area specifically for small children. The park for older kids is near the climbing wall. Open from Memorial Day until October, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Free admission.

202 La Harpe Boulevard501-375-2552

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War Memorial Park Splash Pad

Courtesy of Little Rock Parks & Recreation

War Memorial Park's splash bad offers fountains, mist and lots of water fun. There are lots of hidden places to explore and climb. The park also has traditional playground equipment. Open from Memorial Day until October from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Free admission.